IBM Offers Free Cybersecurity Training to Military Veterans

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London, UK
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06 Sep 2017:
IBM (NYSE: IBM) today launched its latest cybersecurity training course for military veterans in the UK, in partnership with the Corsham Institute (Ci) and SaluteMyJob. This free certification in IBM security and analytics solutions teaches cybersecurity software skills to former and transitioning military personnel, and 100 veterans will complete the course by 8th September. Designed to facilitate employment into cybersecurity roles, this IBM Corporate Citizenship initiative is part of a wider Veterans Employment Accelerator grant programme in the US, Canada and now the UK. The initiative addresses two issues - the challenges faced by skilled armed forces veterans transitioning back into civilian life, and the growing cybersecurity skills gap.

Cybersecurity skills are in high demand. Frost & Sullivan estimates that Europe will face a shortage of 350,000 cybersecurity professionals by 2022. Similarly, ISACA’s State of Cyber Security 2017 reports that the technology skills gap is leaving organisations vulnerable to threats. A quarter of those surveyed said today’s cybersecurity candidates are lacking in technical skills and even more reported it can take over six months to fill priority cybersecurity positions.

To help address this skills gap, IBM has developed a “new collar” approach, which taps into the talent of professionals who may not have a traditional university degree, such as veterans, but who do have in-demand skills and aptitudes. In the UK, almost 100 veterans have already qualified as data analysts thanks to the Ci, SaluteMyJob and IBM Corporate Citizenship programme. While IBM provides the funding, software and trainer, Ci provides the training facilities, and SaluteMyJob finds candidates from the veteran community.

“At IBM we recognise the value and skillset veterans can bring. IBM employs hundreds of veteran personnel in a range of roles,” said Julian Meyrick, Vice President, IBM Security Europe. “As I can attest from my own service in the British Army, many of the skills and experiences acquired working in the operations centre of a warship, military unit or Royal Air Force (RAF) station are very relevant to the skills needed to deal with the types of incidents we encounter in cybersecurity daily. “ “It makes perfect business sense to hire veterans into roles from threat monitoring analyst to penetration tester, security operations centre (SOC) analyst and cyber operations manager; they come with relevant soft skills that are often difficult to interview for. With the right training and investment, hiring veterans can help with the huge challenge of closing the cybersecurity skills gap.”

Managing Director of SaluteMyJob, Andrew Jackson, says: “Veterans possess the knowledge, skills and experience to become significant assets to public and private sector organisations. These courses are designed to encourage those with relevant soft skills to gain a highly relevant qualification at the start of their journey into new careers in cybersecurity. Given the skills shortage nationally, this presents an opportunity for employers to recruit proven veteran jobseekers into roles to which they are often ideally suited.”

"We are delighted to be part of this fantastic initiative, developing the confidence and skills of former members of the Armed Forces as they transition from military service into commercial employment,” says Rachel Neaman, CEO of the Corsham Institute. “The presence of the Armed Forces within Ci’s local community of Corsham has provided us with unique insight into the challenges associated with resettlement. Leaving behind the certainties of life in the Armed Forces is a daunting transition for any veteran. Our partnership with IBM and SaluteMyJob develops cyber and digital skills and the knowledge that creates opportunities for immediate employment. Our ambition is to encourage individual responsibility and build confidence for all the veterans we support, to embed a mind-set of lifelong learning.”

Running from September 4th – 8th at the Corsham Institute in South West England, the training course will certify participating veterans in the use of IBM’s QRadar cyber security software. Following the September training, the next course will take place on 30th October to 3rd November, with a focus on IBM’s data analysis software, i2 Analyst’s Notebook. Participants are awarded an IBM Open Badge certification on completion, which is recognised, respected and valued globally in the IT industry.

IBM Security offers one of the most advanced and integrated portfolios of enterprise security products and services. The portfolio, supported by world-renowned IBM X-Force® research, enables organizations to effectively manage risk and defend against emerging threats. IBM operates one of the world’s broadest security research, development and delivery organizations, monitors 35 billion security events per day in more than 130 countries, and holds more than 3,000 security patents. For more information, please visit www.ibm.com/security, follow @IBMSecurity on Twitter or visit the IBM Security Intelligence blog.

About SaluteMyJob

SaluteMyJob is a Social Enterprise dedicated to the provision of veteran focussed consultancy, recruitment and assessment Services to employers, thereby increasing demand for British ex-military people and reservists. SaluteMyJob helps employers implement veterans' and reservists' programmes whilst helping ex-Service men and women find employment, primarily in the commercial sector in the UK. As a Social Enterprise, SaluteMyJob is committed to returning 51% of its profits to the military community. www.salutemyjob.com

About Corsham Institute (Ci)

Ci is a not-for-profit organisation that is working for a fair, inclusive, prosperous and creative society based on trust and security. Ci focuses on education and research, going beyond traditional ideas of knowledge to promote lifelong learning in the digital age. Empowering citizens to develop the critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills they need to make the most of the opportunities our increasingly networked, connected and data-rich society provides.

Ci works with the Ministry of Defence to support its Service Leaver resettlement programme as part of its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant. Through its Partnerships with IBM and SaluteMyJob, it provides an opportunity for learning, developing the knowledge and skills of veterans in support of their transition into commercial employment.